Finding a lawyer
Contacting a lawyer
You contact lawyers on The Roll directly, using the details on their profile. The Roll doesn't relay messages, book appointments or take payments, so everything you agree is between you and the lawyer.
The short version
Contact the lawyer directly
Call, email or message the lawyer using their profile. Our team can't pass messages on.
Ask about fees first
The Roll doesn't list fees. Ask the lawyer what a consultation costs before you meet.
Bring what matters
Many profiles list documents to bring. Add a short timeline and your questions.
Getting in touch
Using the contact details on a profile
Each lawyer chooses which details to publish, so profiles differ. Offices can have their own numbers as well.
Telephone and mobile
Numbers are shown as the lawyer entered them. On a phone, tap a number to call it.
Message on WhatsApp
Shown when the lawyer has said their mobile is on WhatsApp. It opens WhatsApp, or WhatsApp Web on a computer, with no message filled in, so introduce yourself.
Email and website
Write to the published email, or use the lawyer's professional website if they have one. Keep a first email short and leave out sensitive details until you've spoken.
Offices
A lawyer with several offices may list a separate number for each, with a map, directions and the hours they are usually there.
Before you meet
Four steps to a useful first consultation.
A first consultation is usually where a lawyer hears what has happened and explains your options. A little preparation makes it go further.
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Step 1
Check the profile
Look at the practice areas, services, courts and languages, the weekly hours and the New clients card, if there is one, to see whether the lawyer says they are taking new enquiries.
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Step 2
Arrange a first consultation
The First consultation card, where shown, says whether it's by appointment or walk-in, how long it usually takes and how to arrange one.
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Step 3
Ask about fees and arrangements
Ask what the consultation will cost, how fees for any further work are worked out, and what the lawyer needs from you before you meet.
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Step 4
Prepare your papers
Bring the documents the lawyer asks for, a short timeline of what happened with dates, the names of anyone involved, and the questions you want answered.
Good to know
What The Roll does and doesn't do
The Roll does
Help you find and compare
- List lawyers, firms and chambers with the details they choose to publish.
- Say who provided each detail and when it was last confirmed.
- Publish general guides in the Journal about legal processes in Sri Lanka.
The Roll doesn't
Act between you and a lawyer
- Give legal advice or recommend a particular lawyer.
- Pass messages to lawyers, book appointments or handle payments.
- Promise that a lawyer will take on your matter or reply by a particular time.
Common questions
Questions people ask
Can The Roll pass my message to a lawyer?
No. Please contact the lawyer directly using the details on their profile. If a profile's contact details look wrong, let us know through the contact page.
How much does a first consultation cost?
The Roll doesn't list fees, and a profile without a fee does not mean the consultation is free. Ask the lawyer before you meet.
The profile says the lawyer is accepting enquiries. Will they take my case?
Not necessarily. The status is the lawyer's own and is hidden if not reconfirmed for 90 days. Sending an enquiry does not mean the lawyer will take on your matter or reply by a particular time.
Can I get legal advice from The Roll?
No. The Roll is a directory and nothing on the site is legal advice. Journal guides explain legal processes in general terms; a lawyer can advise on your situation.
Know what you need help with?
Filter the directory by area of law, service, district and language to find lawyers who list that work.